Bluesign Technologies, the organization helping many active-lifestyle brands institute and track sustainable practices into their production processes, has appointed Patagonia’s Jill Dumain as its next CEO.
Dumain, who most recently served as Patagonia’s director of environmental strategy, will succeed Bluesign CEO Peter Waeber, who plans to retire at the end of the year but remain a Bluesign advisory board member. He helped found the organization in 2000, and successfully developed it to be one of the leading global input-based textile supply chain management systems.
Dumain spent 27 years at Patagonia, holding various senior positions in textile research and development. Her projects have included the transition to organic cotton, The Common Threads Recycling Program, The Footprint Chronicles, and the introduction of Bluesign tools and systems at Patagonia. She also held leadership and board positions at the Organic Exchange, Textile Exchange and the Sustainability Working Group at the Outdoor Industry Association. Already connected to Bluesign, Dumain has served as chairman of the organization’s advisory board since 2011.
“Jill’s qualifications, extensive industry experience and her proven success in coaching and motivating teams to achieve company objectives make her the ideal person to lead the further development and expansion of Bluesign,” said Richard Shentu, Bluesign chairman and SGS executive vice president, consumer and retail services.
“I’m honored and grateful to the Bluesign board for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of innovative, dedicated and talented professionals,” Dumain said. “Bluesign Technologies’ passion for creating innovative textile processes to reduce environmental impact is a perfect synergy with my experience and passion. This is a terrific opportunity that any leader would welcome. I am also thankful and indebted to Patagonia for providing me the incredible years there and the foundation allowing me to take this next step.”
Bluesign helps companies eliminate harmful substances right from the beginning of the manufacturing process, and sets and controls standards for an environmentally friendly, safe and resource-efficient production.
